FUTA Alumnus Sheriff Omoleke Launches Fast Food Venture, Chikini Money, in Ondo State

Sheriff Oluyinka Omoleke, a 2017 graduate of the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has expanded his entrepreneurial journey by venturing into the fast food industry. His new restaurant, Chikini Money, located near FUTA's South Gate, officially opened its doors on Sunday, October 20, 2024. This business move marks yet another milestone for the young entrepreneur, who started his career on campus by establishing a printing business and later transitioned into laundry services after his NYSC.

Sheriff stated that Chikini Money aims to set a new standard in Akure's fast food sector, providing affordable and quality meals to students and the surrounding community. The restaurant specializes in traditional African cuisine, alongside European-style dishes, and features a unique selling point: combo takeaway meals at competitive prices and organic fresh fruit smoothies.

The grand opening event saw members of the FUTA community in attendance to support the budding entrepreneur. Dr. Olugbenga Emidun, Associate Director at FUTA’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, shared valuable advice for young business owners, emphasizing the importance of patience, teamwork, and staff management. "If you jump up, you will come down; if you grow up, you will stay up. Take care of your staff, and they will take care of your business. Happy staff will give you happy customers," he advised.

In their goodwill messages, prominent members of the FUTA community, including Professor Adedayo Fasakin, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic); Professor Joseph Fadamiro, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development); and Professor Kayode Alese, Dean of the School of Computing, praised Sheriff’s determination and growth. They commended his ability to diversify from laundry services to the fast food industry and expressed confidence in his ability to succeed in this new venture.

Other notable attendees included Professor Zachaeus Adeyewa, former Vice Chancellor of Redeemer's University; Professor Jacob Owoyemi; Dr. Musa Adebayo Idris; and Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, Director of Corporate Communications and Protocol at FUTA. Student union leaders were also present, further showcasing the strong support Sheriff has received from his alma mater.

As Chikini Money embarks on its mission to provide quality and affordable meals, Sheriff Oluyinka Omoleke’s journey stands as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs, showing that dedication and vision can lead to remarkable success.